Sri Lanka’s cricket selectors are considering a possible change in leadership just two months before the nation co-hosts the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, chief selector Upul Tharanga said.
Tharanga said the panel is “weighing our best options” as current captain Charith Asalanka faces scrutiny following a run of modest performances and his early return from the ongoing tri-series in Pakistan.
While acknowledging the discussions, Tharanga stressed that “no decision” has been made on whether Asalanka will continue as captain.
“With a World Cup so close we can’t make a lot of big changes,” Tharanga told ESPNcricinfo. “The selectors, after talking to the coach, will have to make a decision on what’s best for the team.”
Asalanka flew back to Colombo last week, fueling speculation that his departure signaled a deeper concern, including rumors of a disciplinary issue. The situation intensified amid reports that some players were uncomfortable staying in Pakistan following a suicide bombing in Islamabad.
Tharanga rejected those claims, insisting Asalanka’s exit was driven solely by health concerns.
“Still Charith is our captain. It’s because of an illness to Charith that we appointed Dasun as our stand-in captain. Charith is still the captain in our plans,” he noted.
He said team physios could not determine when Asalanka’s viral fever and body aches would subside, prompting selectors to make a swift decision. “The physio told us that it’s hard for him to predict when Charith would get better, and that’s why we had to make that decision.”
The appointment of former white-ball captain Dasun Shanaka as vice captain for the tour was not coincidental, Tharanga added. “That was to give us another option.”
Beyond the captaincy debate, Tharanga acknowledged concerns about Sri Lanka’s inconsistent middle order, noting that Asalanka’s uncertain availability complicated selection plans. “If he couldn’t play, we needed to have someone else there. That’s why we brought Charith to Sri Lanka.”
Despite the uncertainty, Tharanga reiterated Asalanka’s importance to Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign. “Charith is a very talented cricketer, with a lot of experience. I’m sure he’ll be an important cricketer for Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup.”
Selectors are expected to make a final call on the captaincy after the tri-series concludes.
(Agencies)
Leave a comment